SOUTH PORTLAND — Anthony E. Silva Sr., 79, died peacefully at his home on June 14 in the loving presence of his wife and family.

He was born in Portland, the only child of Anthony W. Silva and Maud Feeney Silva on Nov. 25, 1934. He attended Holy Cross School, Cheverus High School and University of Notre Dame, Class of 1956. He attended Holy Cross Parish his entire life.

On a wintry day in January of 1958, he married Patricia Sullivan.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lester from 1957 to 1961. While in the Navy, Silva and his wife lived in Georgia, Rhode Island and Connecticut, before settling back in Maine to raise their family.

His professional life as a certified public accountant brought him to the firms of Jordan & Jordan and Arthur Young before his long career with the financial administration for the Maine State Diocese at the Chancery. He retired in 1999.

He was an avid sailor who owned the Leprechaun, with its bright yellow spinnaker. He and his wife loved their years and time spent at their cottage, El Capistrano, on Peaks Island. They rekindled friendships with cousins while Silva explored passions for cooking, growing herbs and vegetables, and carpentry.

He was predeceased by his parents; and two daughters, Jane Elizabeth and Judy Coyne.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; daughters, Mary Jo Silva, of Sidney, Carol Holmes, and Connie and husband, Mickey Gray, of South Portland; son, Tony Silva Jr. and husband, Derek McNiff; and son-in-law Eddie Coyne, of South Portland; and grandchildren Courtney and Brian Holmes, and Emily and Matthew Gray.

He would want to thank the generosity and kindness of special neighbors and friends as well as VNA and Hospice caretakers.

Visiting hours were held Tuesday at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel. Prayers recited at the chapel Wednesday Burial followed in Old Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

Those who wish, may make donations in his memory to South Portland Food Cupboard, P.O. Box 2892, South Portland, ME 04116.